Arab Health records 20% first day increase in visitors

The event, which features 2,300 exhibitors and the world's largest multi-track series of accredited health conferences attended by over 5,000 delegates, was officially inaugurated on Monday by His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai.

"On the first day we also recorded a full 15% of exhibitors rebooking for next year - an unprecedented number. These figures are further indications that the region's medical sector continues to grow as governments boost budgets to support healthcare infrastructure."

said Simon Page, Director of the Life Sciences Division of IIR Middle East, the event organiser.

One of the companies that has rebooked is Maquet Middle East, operating room and intensive care unit system suppliers, which has doubled the size of its stand for next year. "The show is fantastic and we want to grow with Arab Health," said Salah Malek, Managing Director. "We feel that the health sector will grow no matter what. This is a sector that will not suffer the impact of the financial crisis."

The Arab Health Exhibition and Congress has previously attracted more than 50,000 visitors and is on track to exceed that figure by the time the event closes on Thursday 29 January 2009. The 2300 companies and organisations exhibiting products and services have taken up all available space at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre. More than 200 companies were unable to book space in advance and joined a waiting list for next year.

"The resounding success of Arab Health underlines the increasing importance of Dubai as a healthcare and medical research hub in the region," said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre which manages the exhibition and convention centre.

"One of the prime objectives of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 outlined by HH Sheikh Mohammed is to establish a healthcare infrastructure that will support a responsible emirate that cares for the health of its people."

Arab Health is backed by the Ministry of Health of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai Health Authority and the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi.